Monday, December 07, 2009

Enter Celebrity Cruises' "Eclipse of a Lifetime" Sweepstakes

Today Celebrity Cruises launched its "Eclipse of a Lifetime" sweepstakes, which runs through January 14, 2010. Ten winners and their guests will win a trip to Dusseldorf, Germany, where they will spend some time before heading to the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg on March 13, 2010. From there, winners will board the brand new Solstice-class ship Celebrity Eclipse for the "conveyance" of the ship on the narrow River Ems to Emshaven, Netherlands. Sweepstakes is only open to residents of the United States and Canada.

What's unique about this?
  • You'll be the first passengers aboard the ship, excluding Celebrity staff and crew.
  • You'll be one of few people who have experienced a conveyance where the ship actually navigates backwards down the River Ems.
  • You'll experience the Meyer Werft shipyard, one of the most modern facilities in the world.
  • You'll meet Celebrity's President and CEO, Dan Hanrahan, who will personally lead you on a tour of the ship.
  • You'll enjoy AquaClass staterooms and enjoy creative menus developed by Chef Jacques Van Staden, Celebrity's VP of Culinary Operations.
  • You'll mix and mingle with the ship's senior officers.

Here's some more information about the conveyance from Celebrity:

During the "conveyance" through Germany's River Ems, more than 75,000 residents are expected to line the river banks - in cars, on bikes, on horseback and in RVs—to watch and cheer as one of the largest ships ever to transit the river meanders past charming villages and quaint farmlands. An indisputable rarity in cruising, the conveyance takes the ship along a truly challenging course: At its tightest points along the way, there will be as few as two feet between each side of the 1,040-ft-long, 121-ft-wide Celebrity Eclipse and the locks. The depth of the river and the draft of the ship allow for mere inches—or less—beneath the ship. Celebrity and shipbuilder Meyer Werft have essentially created a science all their own, to closely and carefully monitor the position of the moon and tidal conditions to pinpoint the precise moment when the depth of the river is ideal for the ship to depart the shipyard.

"The science and precision of the process is actually more complex than transiting the Panama Canal," said Hanrahan. A railway bridge must be completely dismantled, and normal train schedules adjusted, to allow for the ship's passage at one point on the course, among other narrow passages. The journey will take between 12 to 15 hours to complete, and is likely to be the most challenging ride the ship will encounter in its life. Only one captain in the world—who sweepstakes winners will have the exclusive opportunity to meet—is licensed and qualified to take the helm during the conveyance. The limited space available for navigation, the nature of sailing in reverse, and the number of narrow passages and bridges to transit are factors cruise ship captains normally don't have to deal with; but, it provides the chance for them to test the ship's maneuverability at slow speeds."

Enter Celebrity Cruises' "Eclipse of Lifetime" sweepstakes. Winners will be announced on January 28, 2010.

For more information about Celebrity Cruises, talk with your travel agent or contact Celebrity at 1-(800) 437-3111.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Today's Caravan Stop: Win a Napa Valley Getaway from CiaoBambino.com

Today we visit CiaoBambino.com, the seventh stop on the 2009 Travel Bloggers' Caravan.
Ciao Bambino is a family travel resource. Written by and for parents, travel experts Kristi Marcelle and Amie O'Shaughnessy publish destination travel tips, advice, and comprehensive reviews of the best accommodations for families with kids of all ages.

In celebration of the season, CiaoBambino.com is giving away a one-night stay at the Westin Verasa in Napa, California, along with a gourmet lunch for two aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train.

To enter, visit CiaoBambino.com today, comment on the blog post, and wait to see if you're the winner (one lucky person will be randomly selected).

(Winner selection and prize fulfillment is at the discretion of CiaoBambino.com. LuxuryCruiseBible.com cannot be held responsible for the late delivery or non-delivery of prizes given away by other bloggers in the 2009 Travel Bloggers' Caravan.)

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com



Don't miss the Travel Bloggers'
Caravan & Giveaway!


Visit the Luxury Cruise Bible blog each day between December 1 and 15. Link to the Caravan's "blog of the day", post a comment on that website, and you'll be entered to win. Prizes range from hotel gift cards and overnight stays to digital cameras and noise-cancelling headphones to camera bags and luggage to guidebooks and DVDs.

Sunday, December 06, 2009

Today's Caravan Stop: Win Belize Travel Advice & the Moon Belize Guidebook

Hello! It's Day #6 of the Travel Bloggers' Caravan & Giveaway. Today, we're unlocking the magic of Belize with expert travel advice from Joshua Berman, author of the new Moon Belize guidebook. Head to Joshua's website, The Tranquilo Traveler, today and comment on his blog post and you'll be entered to win a copy of Moon Belize plus additional travel planning advice from the author.

Joshua Berman is an award-winning Spanish teacher and trip leader who has spent most of the last decade living, traveling, and working throughout Central America. He is the author of Moon Belize, and the coauthor of Moon Nicaragua and Moon Living Abroad in Nicaragua.

His articles have appeared in a range of print and online publications, including National Geographic Traveler, The Boston Globe, Yoga Journal, and Transitions Abroad. His website is joshuaberman.net and don't miss his Facebook page.

(Winner selection and prize fulfillment is at the discretion of The Tranquilo Traveler. LuxuryCruiseBible.com cannot be held responsible for the late delivery or non-delivery of prizes given away by other bloggers in the 2009 Travel Bloggers' Caravan.)

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com



Don't miss the Travel Bloggers'
Caravan & Giveaway!


Visit the Luxury Cruise Bible blog each day between December 1 and 15. Link to the Caravan's "blog of the day", post a comment on that website, and you'll be entered to win. Prizes range from hotel gift cards and overnight stays to digital cameras and noise-cancelling headphones to camera bags and luggage to guidebooks and DVDs.

Saturday, December 05, 2009

Today's Caravan Stop: Win a Book & Magellan's Gift Certificate from The Brooklyn Nomad



The 2009 Travel Bloggers' Caravan is stopping at Andrew Hickey's website today. He's The Brooklyn Nomad and always has something interesting to talk about on his blog and on Twitter.

Hop on over to his website, comment on his blog post, and you'll be entered to win Imagine: A Vagabond Story by Grant Lingel and a $50 gift certificate courtesy of Magellan's Travel Supplies.

Andrew Hickey is the "Brooklyn Nomad" and he is always on the lookout for a great deal to...well anywhere. In addition to his blogging duties, Andrew is the social media manager for CheapOair.com's all-new travel blog and contributor to Oyster Hotel Reviews "Locals" blog. Check him out at TheBrooklynNomad.com.

(Winner selection and prize fulfillment is at the discretion of TheBrooklynNomad.com. LuxuryCruiseBible.com cannot be held responsible for the late delivery or non-delivery of prizes given away by other bloggers in the 2009 Travel Bloggers' Caravan.)

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com



Don't miss the Travel Bloggers'
Caravan & Giveaway!


Visit the Luxury Cruise Bible blog each day between December 1 and 15. Link to the Caravan's "blog of the day", post a comment on that website, and you'll be entered to win. Prizes range from hotel gift cards and overnight stays to digital cameras and noise-cancelling headphones to camera bags and luggage to guidebooks and DVDs.

Friday, December 04, 2009

Today's Caravan Stop: Win a Literary Travel Prize Pack from NovelDestinations.com

The Travel Bloggers' Caravan is stopping at a very cool site today: Novel Destinations. Just visit the blog today, comment on the post, and you'll be entered to wine a Literary Travel Prize Pack.

The website is a collaborative effort between Joni Rendon and Shannon McKenna Schmidt, co-authors of Novel Destinations: Literary Landmarks from Jane Austen’s Bath to Ernest Hemingway’s Key West (National Geographic Books).

The prize pack includes:

Joni’s work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Continental, and other publications. She currently resides in London, England and works at the Charles Dickens Museum.

Shannon’s writing has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, The Miami Herald, and other publications. In April 2010, she will be leaving Hoboken, NJ, to set out in an RV and travel the United States and Canada for several years. Follow Shannon on Twitter.

(Winner selection and prize fulfillment is at the discretion of NovelDestinations.com. LuxuryCruiseBible.com cannot be held responsible for the late delivery or non-delivery of prizes given away by other bloggers in the 2009 Travel Bloggers' Caravan.)

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com



Don't miss the Travel Bloggers'
Caravan & Giveaway!


Visit the Luxury Cruise Bible blog each day between December 1 and 15. Link to the Caravan's "blog of the day", post a comment on that website, and you'll be entered to win. Prizes range from hotel gift cards and overnight stays to digital cameras and noise-cancelling headphones to camera bags and luggage to guidebooks and DVDs.

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Today's Caravan Stop: Win Dream of Italy Newsletter and DVD

It's too bad that I'm a participant in this year's Travel Bloggers' Caravan & Giveaway. Too bad because I'm not eligible to win any prizes. Darn! I'd love to win what's up for grabs today: a one-year online subscription to the Dream of Italy newsletter and bonus DVD.


If you're interested in travel to Italy, you must visit the Dream of Italy website. Kathy McCabe is the founder, editor, and publisher of the award-winning subscription travel newsletter. The seven-year-old newsletter has been lauded by USA Today, National Geographic Traveler, and others for its insider travel advice that can't be found elsewhere. Earlier this year, McCabe was named a top travel "tweeter" on Twitter by several publications, including The Telegraph (U.K.)

Visit the Dream of Italy blog, comment on today's post and you'll be entered to win!

(Winner selection and prize fulfillment is at the discretion of DreamofItaly.com. LuxuryCruiseBible.com cannot be held responsible for the late delivery or non-delivery of prizes given away by other bloggers in the 2009 Travel Bloggers' Caravan.)

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com



Don't miss the Travel Bloggers'
Caravan & Giveaway!


Visit the Luxury Cruise Bible blog each day between December 1 and 15. Link to the Caravan's "blog of the day", post a comment on that website, and you'll be entered to win. Prizes range from hotel gift cards and overnight stays to digital cameras and noise-cancelling headphones to camera bags and luggage to guidebooks and DVDs.

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Today's Caravan Stop: Win a $100 Marriott Gift Card from LuxuryCruiseBible.com

December is one of my favorite months! While the rush leading to the holidays can be a bit crazy, I try to savor the moments spent with friends and family. And, we always take at least a week off to reflect on the past year and plan for the next.

So how do I plan to spend my free time this month? Well, I know I'll be baking cookies, surfing the web to plan our next vacation, and listening to holiday music (I highly recommend Brian Setzer's Ultimate Christmas Collection).

I also plan to closely follow the 2009 Travel Bloggers' Caravan for the next two weeks. (See my post from yesterday about the Caravan.) A group of 15 travel bloggers have banded together to celebrate the season and bring all of our readers the chance to win some fun prizes, including hotel gift cards and overnight stays, digital cameras, travel guidebooks and DVDs, and luggage and camera bags.

Today the Caravan stops right here at the Luxury Cruise Bible blog. I'm giving away a $100 Marriott gift card. Just what you'll need the next time you book your pre-cruise hotel accommodations.

Win a $100 Marriott Gift Card

One lucky reader will be randomly chosen from all eligible entries to win a $100 Marriott gift card. Contest starts at midnight on December 2 and ends the same day at 11:59 pm. You must have a mailing address within the United States in order to be eligible to enter and win.

How to Enter

Comment on this post between 12:00 am (midnight) and 11:59 pm on December 2, 2009. You'll need to include your e-mail address so I may make contact if you are the winner. Good luck!

Win More Prizes This Month!

Don't forget to enter the daily Travel Bloggers' Caravan & Giveaway. The Caravan stops at DreamofItaly.com tomorrow. Visit, comment on the post of the day, and win a one-year subscription to Dream of Italy and a bonus DVD. See the entire Travel Bloggers' Caravan schedule here.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com




Don't miss the Travel Bloggers'
Caravan & Giveaway!


Visit the Luxury Cruise Bible blog each day between December 1 and 15. Link to the Caravan's "blog of the day", post a comment on that website, and you'll be entered to win. Prizes range from hotel gift cards and overnight stays to digital cameras and noise-cancelling headphones to camera bags and luggage to guidebooks and DVDs.

Orion Expedition Cruises Gets Second Ship for 2011

When you've exhausted the usual cruise itineraries in the Mediterranean, Baltics, and Caribbean, start looking to Australia's Orion Expedition Cruises for something a bit more adventurous.

This luxury expedition cruise line previously had just one ship, the 106-passenger Orion. Today the company announced the long-term charter of a second vessel and will dub her Orion II. Setting sail in May 2011, Orion II will sail Southeast Asia and will call upon Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, the Indonesian archipelago, Japan, and Borneo. (I can't wait until details about the Borneo cruise are revealed!) Expedition teams are scouting locations now and itineraries will be released in 2010.

This long-term charter is of the Clelia II (to be renamed Orion II in May 2011), a a 100-passenger, all-suite luxury expedition ship. Recently subject to a $19 million refurbishment coordinated by the ship’s current operators, with emphasis on technical enhancements and upgraded environmental systems, Clelia II will also undergo additional cosmetic enhancements to bring her fully into the Orion Expedition Cruises style.

Orion II will accommodate 100 guests in 50 oceanview suites that range from 215 to 285 square feet with either a sitting area or separate living room, twin or queen beds, and air conditioning.

According to Orion, the vessel complies with current international and U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations and is outfitted with navigation and communications technology as well as retractable fin stabilizers for smooth sailing, an ice-strengthened hull for Antarctic voyages, and a fleet of heavy duty Zodiacs to enable easy shore access in remote locations.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Orion at (877) ORION US.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo courtesy of Orion Expedition Cruises

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Meet the Experts: 2009 Travel Bloggers' Caravan & Giveaway

This December, 15 top travel bloggers are banding together to spread holiday cheer to their readers. Just visit the Luxury Cruise Bible blog each morning from December 1–15 to learn about the travel expert of the day. From there, link to that expert's blog and then enter to win the prize (or prizes) of the day.

Prizes range from hotel gift certificates and overnight stays to digital cameras to camera bags to luggage to noise-cancelling headphones to travel guidebooks and DVDs.

Want to know more about the travel bloggers right now? Let me introduce...

Ellen Barone
EllenBarone.com
Travel expert Ellen Barone did what many of us only dream of doing: at the age of 35, she traded a successful academic career for the wild blue yonder and set out to explore the world and herself. In the decade since that intrepid decision, she has turned passion into profession, journeying to more than 60 countries in search of evocative images and life-enriching adventures. Founder of the travel website EllenBarone.com—a popular online portal "keeping travelers in the know and on the go"—hundreds of thousands of visitors turn to Ellen hoping to better inform their travels and their lives. Catering to individuals who enjoy a traveler’s lifestyle, the site is one-stop shopping for expert advice, vacation tips, product reviews, photo galleries and travel articles to help readers travel better, smarter, and more inspired. With an eye for the best, the authentic, the innovative and the irresistible Ellen loves little more than sharing information that will inspire readers travel now, travel smarter and travel often.

Prize: Visit EllenBarone.com on December 12, 2009 and enter to win a day pack from First Ascent, a new extreme adventure line of gear and clothing by Eddie Bauer and partners (a $79 value).




Jeanine Barone
JTheTravelAuthority.com
Jeanine Barone is a New York City-based travel writer who's written for just about every major travel magazine, from National Geographic Traveler to Travel + Leisure, as well as the Boston Globe, and other newspapers. She also blogs and is frequently asked to guest blog about her journeys. Her adventures can also be heard on various radio programs, such as KPAM in Portland, Oregon. When she's roaming the world, she's seeking out what she calls "hidden treasures," in other words authentic experiences that provide insights into the heart of the land and its people. Aside from travel, she also pens articles on food, wine, design, and architecture. Whether she's hiking through the volcanic landscape and vineyards on remote Pico Island in the Azores or mountain biking in Israel's Negev Desert, Jeanine provides her readers with vivid, intimate experiences. So much so, that many have commented that reading one of her articles or blog posts makes them want to pack their bags and head straight for the airport. Known as an ultra savvy traveler, Jeanine is frequently asked to write about her travel tips (including how to stay healthy on the road) and her packing strategies, considering she prides herself in never checking luggage, even on a 7+ week journey.

Prize: Visit JTheTravelAuthority.com on December 10, 2009 and enter to win a Mountainsmith Tour FX Camera Bag (a $99 value).




Joshua Berman
The Tranquilo Traveler
Joshua Berman is an award-winning, Spanish teacher, and trip leader who has spent most of the last decade living, traveling, and working throughout Central America. He is the author of Moon Belize, and the coauthor of Moon Nicaragua and Moon Living Abroad in Nicaragua. His articles have appeared in a range of print and online publications, including National Geographic Traveler, The Boston Globe, Yoga Journal, and Transitions Abroad. His website is joshuaberman.net.

Prize: Visit The Tranquilo Traveler on December 6, 2009 and enter to win a copy of Moon Belize, accompanied with personal travel advice from the author about your trip.




Nancy D. Brown
What a Trip
Nancy D. Brown is the Uptake.com Travel Editor, writes the What a Trip blog and is a Contra Costa Times Lamorinda Sun columnist. She is the online travel editor for Diablo magazine and writes the “Traveler Making a Difference” column for Escapes magazine. An avid equestrian, Nancy reviews horse properties at www.writinghorseback.com. She enjoys speaking on panels and specializes in adventure and luxury travel. Recent trips include hiking Switzerland, snorkeling Mexico’s Paradise Reef, and paddling with the Hawaiian Sailing Canoes. Next stop: horseback riding in Germany and Norway.

Prize: Visit What a Trip on December 9, 2009 and enter to win one of two Otterbox cell phone cases and a Baseline 20-inch carry-on expandable wide-body upright suitcase.




Linda Coffman
CruiseDiva.com
Linda Coffman is an award-winning freelance travel writer who has been dishing out cruise travel information and advice in print and on the Internet for more than a dozen years. An avid cruise passenger who enjoys sailing on ships of every size to any port worldwide, Linda spends most of her time cruising the Caribbean and writing for Fodor's Travel Publications. She is the author of Fodor's The Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises, The Complete Guide to European Cruises, and contributes to six other Fodor's guidebooks. In addition, Linda created CruiseDiva.com in February 2001 to provide unbiased and practical cruising information to the thousands of Internet users who research their travel choices online. CruiseDiva.com was named a "Best of the Web" Leisure Travel web site by USA Today. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says, "The Cruise Diva's site has good information, lots of practical tips and lots of attitude." When not at sea, Linda makes her home in Georgia.

Prize: Visit CruiseDiva.com on December 11 and win a copy of Fodor's The Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises and a World Grounding Adaptor Set from Magellan's Travel Supplies.




John DiScala
JohnnyJet.com
John E. DiScala (a.k.a. Johnny Jet) travels around 150,000 miles and visits over 20 countries each year. He and his website JohnnyJet.com have been featured over 1,800 times in major publications, including USA Today, Time, Fortune, and The New York Times, and he has appeared on ABC, CBS, CNBC, CNN, MSNBC, NBC, FOX News Channel, and PBS. JohnnyJet.com has been named "one of the top best money-saving web sites for travel" by Budget Travel Magazine, while the L.A. Times calls it "one of the top 10 essential travel resources on the Internet." Outside Magazine touted Johnny for having one of the world's best "dream jobs". Every week, Johnny hosts a "travel website of the week" for several radio stations around the country, he writes weekly for Frommers.com and he has written for USA Today, The Boston Herald, LAX Magazine, and Coast Magazine. Sign up today for Johnny Jet’s free weekly travel newsletter at JohnnyJet.com.

Prize: Visit JohnnyJet.com on December 8, 2009 and win Alaska and Seattle Toursaver books plus a $50 gift certificate from Magellan's Travel Supplies.




Terri Fogarty
EuropeUpClose.com
I fell in love with Europe on my first trip to Paris more than 20 years ago. Since then, my husband Bill and I have traveled all over Europe, taking trips on the average of twice a year. During this time I have also run my own Europe-focused travel agency, planning hundreds of trips to Europe for my clients, friends, and family. Europe has won me over because Europeans seem to understand what life is all about: family, friends, and food. They have a deep appreciation for history and culture and in my opinion have perfected the art of living. At EuropeUpClose.com we have more than a dozen writers who are experts on European travel, and our articles are designed to share our years of first-hand travel experience… what we learned and what we love. We know the ins and outs of successful travel; where to find the best deals, how to save money, and how to find those hidden gems that many guidebooks often seem to miss. EuropeUpClose.com is an evolving and constantly updated travel guide, offering daily tips and travel suggestions. So, if you just want to dream of Europe, or plan your European vacation with confidence that you are “in the know”, EuropeUpClose.com is your insider guide.

Prize: Visit EuropeUpClose.com on December 14, 2009 and enter to win a Fujifilm FinePix J28 10MP digital camera with 3x optical zoom.




Andrew Hickey
TheBrooklynNomad.com
Andrew Hickey is the "Brooklyn Nomad" and he is always on the lookout for a great deal to...well anywhere. In addition to his blogging duties, Andrew is the social media manager for CheapOair.com's all-new travel blog and contributor to Oyster Hotel Reviews "Locals" blog. Check him out at TheBrooklynNomad.com.

Prize: Visit TheBrooklynNomad.com on December 5, 2009 and enter to win Imagine: A Vagabond Story by Grant Lingel, plus a $50 gift certificate from Magellan's Travel Supplies.




Donna L. Hull
MyItchyTravelFeet.com
Donna L. Hull is so obsessed with travel that it makes her feet itchy when she’s not out exploring the world. At her blog, My Itchy Travel Feet, The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Travel, she writes about active travel for baby boomers, covering domestic and international destinations. Using her personal experiences and references as a travel writer, she advises boomers on where to go, what to do, where to stay, and how to prepare for an active trip. Donna recently completed an 8-part series based on a 52-day Pacific cruise for LuxuryCruiseBible.com. The Tucson-based freelance writer and photographer also writes for Uptake.com, iExplore.com, and is an "Outsider" at AdventureUs.com. Some of her print publication credits include AZ3Sixty Magazine, Oro Valley/Marana Magazine, Lovin Life After 50, Fifty Plus and Her Sports Magazine.

Prize: Visit MyItchyTravelFeet.com on December 13, 2009 and enter to win the "Library Edition" of the most recent season of "Rudy Maxa's World", including six DVDs containing 13 shows on destinations in India, Turkey, Japan, Thailand, St. Petersburg, Estonia, and Argentina.




Kristi Marcelle and Amie O'Shaughnessy
CiaoBambino.com
Ciao Bambino is a family travel resource. Written by and for parents, we publish destination travel tips, advice, and comprehensive reviews of the best accommodations for families with kids of all ages.

Prize: Visit CiaoBambino.com on December 7, 2009 and enter to win a one-night stay at the Westin Verasa in Napa, California, plus gourmet lunch for two on the Napa Valley Wine Train.




Kathy McCabe
DreamofItaly.com
Kathy McCabe is the founder, editor and publisher of the award-winning subscription travel newsletter Dream of Italy. The seven-year old newsletter has been lauded by USA Today, National Geographic Traveler, and others for its insider travel advice that can't be found elsewhere. Earlier this year, McCabe was named a top travel "tweeter" on Twitter by several publications including The Telegraph (U.K.)

Prize: Visit DreamofItaly.com on December 3, 2009 and enter to win a one-year online subscription to Dream of Italy plus a bonus DVD.




Shannon McKenna Schmidt and Joni Rendon
NovelDestinations.com
Joni Rendon and Shannon McKenna Schmidt are the co-authors of Novel Destinations: Literary Landmarks from Jane Austen’s Bath to Ernest Hemingway’s Key West (National Geographic Books). They blog about literary travel at www.noveldestinations.com. Joni’s work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Continental, and other publications. She currently resides in London, England and works at the Charles Dickens Museum. Shannon’s writing has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, The Miami Herald, and other publications. In April 2010, she will be leaving Hoboken, NJ, to set out in an RV and travel the U.S. and Canada for several years.

Prize: Visit NovelDestinations.com on December 4 and enter to win a Literary Travel Prize pack including a tote bag, books, note cards, tea, bookmarks, and a keychain.




Andrea M. Rotondo
LuxuryCruiseBible.com
Ship ahoy! LuxuryCruiseBible.com is devoted to helping travelers plan unique journeys aboard luxury cruise ships, river boats, and yachts throughout the world. Sail the Maldives on a catamaran, explore Burma's Irrawaddy River on a sleek purpose-built vessel, or cruise the South Pacific on an intimate yacht. Every voyage is an adventure!

Caravan Kickoff Prize: Visit the Luxury Cruise Bible blog on December 1, 2009 and enter to win a Lingo 16-Language Translator courtesy of Magellan's Travel Supplies.

Prize: Visit the Luxury Cruise Bible blog on December 2, 2009 and enter to win a $100 Marriott gift card.




Andrea M. Rotondo
LuxurySafariExperts.com
Mysterious, beautiful, majestic, fragile... the continent of Africa beckons! From the tombs of ancient kings and queen in Egypt to silverback gorillas in the mountains of Uganda to the Kalahari Desert blanketing much of Botswana, Africa offers a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. LuxurySafariExperts.com distills the options for visitors interested in seeing the sites and wildlife of Africa without sacrificing exquisite accommodations and excellent service.

Prize: Visit LuxurySafariExperts.com on December 15, 2009 and enter to win noise-cancelling headphones courtesy of Magellan's Travel Supplies.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com



Don't miss the Travel Bloggers'
Caravan & Giveaway!


Visit the Luxury Cruise Bible blog each day between December 1 and 15. Link to the Caravan's "blog of the day", post a comment on that website, and you'll be entered to win. Prizes range from hotel gift cards and overnight stays to digital cameras and noise-cancelling headphones to camera bags and luggage to guidebooks and DVDs.

Join the Travel Bloggers' Caravan & Win Cool Prizes!

Is the Lingo 16-Language Translator (available from Magellan's) on your holiday wish list? If so, read this entire post to find out how to enter to win a translator for yourself!

Happy Holidays!
Now that it's December I can tell you about a really fun project I've been putting together: the first—and, hopefully, annual—Travel Bloggers' Caravan & Giveaway.

Starting today, I invite you to follow 14 of my favorite travel bloggers for a chance to win travel-related prizes in celebration of the season.

Prizes range from digital cameras to travel guidebooks to hotel gift cards. Magellan's Travel Supplies has also signed on as a sponsor of this event and all the Caravan bloggers are thrilled to have them on board. If you've got a traveler on your holiday shopping list, check out the unique gifts available at Magellan's website.

Each day, between December 2–15, a different travel expert's blog will be featured in this round robin event. You'll have a chance to win one of over a dozen prizes by simply reading and commenting on the daily blog post.

The Caravan starts tomorrow right here! Simply visit the Luxury Cruise Bible blog each morning to learn about the featured Caravan "stop-of-the-day" between December 2 and 15, and then enter to win.

Complete Travel Caravan Schedule

December 2: LuxuryCruiseBible.com (Andrea M. Rotondo)
$100 Marriott Gift Certificate

December 3: DreamofItaly.com (Kathy McCabe)
One-year online subscription to Dream of Italy newsletter & DVD ($79 value)

December 4: NovelDestinations.com (Shannon McKenna Schmidt & Joni Rendon)
Literary Travel Prize Pack
(“I’d Rather Read Jane Austen” tote bag filled with travel and literary-themed items—a signed copy of Novel Destinations: Literary Landmarks from Jane Austen’s Bath to Ernest Hemingway’s Key West, a Bliss Tried + Blue Travel Kit, Writers’ Houses of New England note cards, Jane Austen blend tea, bookmarks from Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage and the Robert Frost Farm in New Hampshire, and a NovelKeys key chain with a quote by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
)

December 5: TheBrooklynNomad.com (Andrew Hickey)
Imagine: A Vagabond Story by Grant Lingel and $50 Magellan's Travel Supplies gift certificate

December 6: The Tranquilo Traveler (Joshua Berman)
A copy of Moon Belize, accompanied with personal travel advice from the author about your trip

December 7: CiaoBambino.com (Amie O'Shaughnessy and Kristi Marcelle)
Napa Valley Getaway
(One-night stay at the Westin Verasa in Napa, California,
plus gourmet lunch for two on the Napa Valley Wine Train)


December 8: JohnnyJet.com (John DiScala)
Alaska and Seattle Toursaver books ($198 value)
and
$50 gift certificate courtesy of Magellan's Travel Supplies


December 9: What a Trip (Nancy D. Brown)
Two Otterbox cell phone cases ($50 value each)
and
Baseline 20” Carry-On Expandable Wide-Body Upright ($369 value)


December 10: JtheTravelAuthority.com (Jeanine Barone)
Mountainsmith Tour FX Camera Bag ($99 value)

December 11: CruiseDiva.com (Linda Coffman)
Fodor's The Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises

December 12: EllenBarone.com (Ellen Barone)
Day pack from First Ascent, a new extreme adventure line of gear and clothing
by Eddie Bauer and partners ($79 value)
and Exofficio gear (1 Shirt, 1 Pair of Pants and 1 Pair of ExOfficio Underwear) ($200 value)

December 13: MyItchyTravelFeet.com (Donna L. Hull)
"Library Edition" of the most recent season of "Rudy Maxa's World",
including six DVDs containing 13 shows on destinations in India, Turkey, Japan, Thailand, St. Petersburg, Estonia, and Argentina ($112 value)


December 14: EuropeUpClose.com (Terri Fogarty)
Fujifilm FinePix J28 10MP digital camera with 3x optical zoom

December 15: LuxurySafariExperts.com (Andrea M. Rotondo)
Folding noise-cancelling headphones courtesy of Magellan's Travel Supplies

If you love exploring new destinations and revisiting old favorites, you won't want to miss the Travel Bloggers' Caravan & Giveaway! You just may discover a few new favorite travel blogs to bookmark.

Win a Lingo 16-Language Translator
Help us kick off the Caravan right now! Follow @luxcruisebible and then tweet about the Travel Bloggers' Caravan between December 1 and 15. Include a link to this blog post and the #caravan hashtag and you'll be entered to win the Lingo 16-Language Translator, courtesy of Magellan's Travel Supplies. Entrants must have a U.S. mailing address. Entries must be received between December 1–15, 2009. One winner will be randomly chosen from eligible entries on December 21, 2009. Winner will be notified via Twitter DM (direct message).

Just log onto Twitter and tweet something like this: Check out the Travel Bloggers' Caravan. 15 travel bloggers and tons of cool prizes. http://bit.ly/4o2brg #caravan

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com



Don't miss the Travel Bloggers'
Caravan & Giveaway!


Visit the Luxury Cruise Bible blog each day between December 1 and 15. Link to the Caravan's "blog of the day", post a comment on that website, and you'll be entered to win. Prizes range from hotel gift cards and overnight stays to digital cameras and noise-cancelling headphones to camera bags and luggage to guidebooks and DVDs.

Friday, November 27, 2009

New 2011 SeaDream Itineraries Online Now

Last week I mentioned that SeaDream Yacht Club was unveiling some new itineraries for 2011. The schedule for January through August 2011 is now online at Seadream's website and there are some real gems!

My favorite new SeaDream itinerary is...

Amsterdam, Netherlands to Bordeaux, France
Voyage #11128 aboard SeaDream I
July 30, 2011–August 6, 2011 (7 days)
Ports: Netherlands: Amsterdam; France: Honfleur, St. Malo, Belle Ile, La Rochelle, and Bordeaux; and U.K.: Jersey, Channel Islands
Per person cruise fare starts at $4,799.


I also like the looks of this one...

Bergen, Norway to Copenhagen, Denmark
Voyage #11123 aboard SeaDream I
June 8–18, 2011 (10 days)
Ports: Norway: Bergen, Olden/Nordfjord, Geiranger, Alesund, Stavanger, Lillesand, Oslo; Sweden: Marstrand; and Denmark: Copenhagen
Per person cruise fare starts at $6,599.

For more information about SeaDream's new itineraries for 2011, talk with your travel agent or visit SeaDream's website.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Photo of Geiranger fjord, Norway

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Saving Our Oceans & Marine Life

Each Thanksgiving, we all take stock of our lives and remind ourselves of what's important and what we're actually thankful for. I've been blessed with the necessary health, wealth, and desire to travel the world. I've fallen in love with the quiet moments when discovering a new hidden cove or beach, seeing the sun rise, or watching endangered animals fighting to retain their their little bit of Earth.

Cruise travel is a huge part of my life and it's brought me a greater understanding of our ocean and river ecosystems and marine life. This Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for that and am hopeful that together, cruise passengers and cruise lines can band together to reduce their impact on our ocean ecosystems so future generations can enjoy the beauty and serenity I've already discovered.

Here are some organizations that are safeguarding our precious marine resources:

Alaska Whale Foundation
Mission: Committed to research, conservation, and public education about marine mammals in Southeast Alaska.
Membership: When you donate $25 or more, you'll receive the AWF newsletter periodically.
501(c)(3) status: Yes. The Alaska Whale Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization and your donation will be U.S. tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Donate to the Alaska Whale Foundation.



Galapagos Conservancy
Mission: Dedicated exclusively to the long-term protection of the Galapagos Islands.
Membership: Donations of $25 or more entitle you to a one-year membership that includes a subscription to Galapagos News.
501(c)(3) status: Yes. The Galapagos Conservancy is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization and your donation will be U.S. tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Donate to the Galapagos Conservancy.



Oceanites: The World's Antarctic Resource
Mission: To foster the conservation of the world's oceans, islands, and their wildlife, as well as a better appreciation of the sensitive connections we humans have to our watery globe.
Membership: There is no formal membership. Everyone who donates will automatically be added to the "Opus-O-Gram" e-mail list.
501(c)(3) status: Yes. Oceanites is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization and your donation will be U.S. tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Donate to Oceanites.



Pacific Whale Foundation
Mission: To promote appreciation, understanding, and protection of whales, dolphins, coral reefs, and our planet's oceans.
Membership: The Pacific Whale Foundation offers a variety of excellent ecotours and kids' camps in Hawaii. If you'll be booking any of those adventures, membership in the Foundation will save you money. Members receive discounts and priority boarding on all ecotours, 15% off their Ocean Store, and a free gift (T-shirt, DVD, or ecotour ticket). Membership is $35 for students and seniors, $40 for individuals, and $55 for families.
501(c)(3) status: Yes. The Pacific Whale Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization and your donation will be U.S. tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Donate to the Pacific Whale Foundation.


What are your favorite organizations devoted to protecting our river and ocean ecosystems? I'd love to hear about them. Happy Thanksgiving!

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Santa's Giving Out Travel Gear from December 1–15: Travel Bloggers' Caravan

Psst! I've got a secret to share. Next Tuesday, 15 top travel bloggers will put on their Santa hats and will give away prizes in celebration of the season.

Prizes range from hotel gift cards and overnight stays to digital cameras and noise-cancelling headphones to luggage and camera bags to travel guidebooks and DVDs.

Each day, between December 1–15, a different travel expert's blog will be featured in this round robin event. You'll have a chance to win one of over a dozen prizes by reading and commenting on the daily blog post.

Simply visit the Luxury Cruise Bible blog each morning to learn about the featured Caravan "stop-of-the-day" between December 1 and 15, and then enter to win.

Complete Travel Caravan Schedule

December 1: LuxuryCruiseBible.com
Lingo 16-Language Translator courtesy of Magellan's Travel Supplies

December 2: LuxuryCruiseBible.com (Andrea M. Rotondo)
$100 Marriott gift card

December 3: DreamofItaly.com (Kathy McCabe)
One-year online subscription to Dream of Italy newsletter & DVD ($79 value)

December 4: NovelDestinations.com (Shannon McKenna Schmidt & Joni Rendon)
Literary Travel Prize Pack
(A tote bag, the book Novel Destinations, travel kit, note cards, tea, bookmarks, and a keychain.)

December 5: TheBrooklynNomad.com (Andrew Hickey)
Imagine: A Vagabond Story by Grant Lingel and a $50 Magellan's Travel Supplies gift certificate

December 6: The Tranquilo Traveler (Joshua Berman)
A copy of Moon Belize, accompanied with personal travel advice from the author about your trip

December 7: CiaoBambino.com (Amie O'Shaughnessy and Kristi Marcelle)
Napa Valley Getaway
(One-night stay at the Westin Verasa in Napa, California,
plus gourmet lunch for two on the Napa Valley Wine Train)

December 8: JohnnyJet.com (John DiScala)
Alaska and Seattle Toursaver books ($198 value) and $50 Magellan's Travel Supplies gift certificate

December 9: What a Trip (Nancy D. Brown)
Two Otterbox cell phone cases ($50 value each)
and
One Briggs and Riley Baseline 20” Carry-On Expandable Wide-Body Upright ($369 value)

December 10: JtheTravelAuthority.com (Jeanine Barone)
Mountainsmith Tour FX Camera Bag ($99 value)

December 11: CruiseDiva.com (Linda Coffman)
Fodor's The Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises and a World Grounding Set (courtesy of Magellan's Travel Supplies)

December 12: EllenBarone.com (Ellen Barone)
Day pack from First Ascent, a new extreme adventure line of gear and clothing by Eddie Bauer and partners ($79 value)

December 13: MyItchyTravelFeet.com (Donna L. Hull)
"Library Edition" of the most recent season of "Rudy Maxa's World",
including six DVDs containing 13 shows on destinations in India, Turkey, Japan, Thailand, St. Petersburg, Estonia, and Argentina ($112 value)

December 14: EuropeUpClose.com (Terri Fogarty)
Fujifilm FinePix J28 10MP digital camera with 3x optical zoom

December 15: LuxurySafariExperts.com (Andrea M. Rotondo)
Folding noise-cancelling headphones courtesy of Magellan's Travel Supplies

Magellan's Travel Supplies is a sponsor of this event. Check out the unique gifts available at Magellan's website for all the travelers on your holiday shopping list.


If you love exploring new destinations and revisiting old favorites, you won't want to miss the Travel Bloggers' Caravan & Giveaway! You just may discover a few new favorite travel blogs. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, December 1 and return to enter the first giveaway!

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Silversea Releases 2011 Schedule and Opens Reservations

2011 Silversea itineraries for Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, and the new Silver Spirit are now open for booking. (Reservations for the Prince Albert II expedition ship will open in a few weeks.)

Silversea will visit 335 ports in over 100 countries in 2011. There's bound to be several voyages that speak to you.

Here's a quartet of itineraries that pique my interest:

Voyage 2103: Mahe, Seychelles to Port Louis, Mauritius
Silver Wind (14 days)
January 27, 2011–February 10, 2011

Ports: Seychelles (Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette Island); Kenya (Mombasa); Tanzania (Zanzibar); Madagascar (Nosy Komba); Reunion Island (Pointe Des Galets); Mauritius (Port Louis)

Voyage: 3104: Singapore to Hong Kong, China
Silver Shadow (9 days)
March 19–28, 2011
Ports: Singapore; Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Chan May, Ha Long Bay, Haiphong); China (Hong Kong)

Voyage 1119: London to Southampton
Silver Cloud (15 days)
July 5–20, 2011
Ports: London (Tower Bridge); Aberdeen, Scotland; Lerwick, Shetland Islands; Thorshavn, Faroe Islands, Denmark; Akureyri, Iceland; Isafjordur, Iceland; Reykjavik, Iceland; Greenock, Scotland; Dublin and Cork Ireland; Falmouth and Southampton, United Kingdom

Voyage 5135: Bridgetown, Barbados to Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Silver Spirit (9 days)
November 23–December 2, 2011 (Thanksgiving sailing)
Ports: Bridgetown, Barbados; Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Roseau, Dominica; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Gustavia, St. Barts; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos; Fort Lauderdale, Florida

To learn more about Silversea's 2011 voyages, talk with your travel agent or contact Silversea and ask for a brochure: (877) 215-9986.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Monday, November 23, 2009

Video: Man Overboard from Silversea Silver Shadow Rescued



On Sunday morning, around 3 am, a passenger aboard the Silversea Silver Shadow went overboard. How or why he went overboard is still a mystery, but many media outlets including Cruise Critic and the Miami Herald are reporting that the passenger, 62-year-old Ronald Shulman, was rescued about 20 miles east of Miami by a Coast Guard helicopter at 7:45 am on Sunday. Miraculously, Mr. Shulman did not suffer any major injuries during the ordeal.

It's been reported that Shulman was traveling alone on this Caribbean voyage, so we don't yet know how Silversea knew he went overboard It appears that perhaps another passenger must have seen or heard something and wasted no time alerting the crew. In fact, it's the crew that actually spotted Mr. Shulman in the ocean and threw him a life ring to keep him afloat until the Coast Guard was able to assist.

The entire crew of Silver Shadow proved their meddle on Sunday. Silver Shadow arrived late at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale and turned the ship around for her next itinerary.

Read more about this story...
Cruise Critic news story
Cruise Critic Silversea message board thread
Palm Beach Post news story #1
Miami Herald news story #1

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com